Dunedin - Marker 1 Marina (for one week)

Evening View Dunadin

Celebrating the Crossing With Patroit

After making the crossing, and taking Daisy to do her business, we were really, really, glad to stop in a Marker 1 Marina.  Great place, and great location. After a long nap, we started to meet with others that crossed with us (or is it we crossed with them?).  It was fun to rehash the minor events of the crossing, and the crab pot stories.  We then had a celebration dinner.

The Bike Trail had this type of
Artistic Signage for each village

When we arrived it was still decent weather.  We took the bicycles off the boat and took many rides.  Our first ride was to Tarpon Springs (sponge Capital), with Spititus and Patroit we had a great ride.  We had lunch at Hellas, a greek restaurant. If you have been there slip the rest of this paragraph.  It was awesome, Vicki and I shared, Mousaka (Greek Shepard's  Pie, {Lamb, cheese, veggies,  mashed potatoes etc} and Stuffed Grape Leaves.  They were superb.  We both had a great (Greek) desert. If you have been there, you know the bakery is second to none.  After Lunch, we visited a imported licorice candy store.  Vicki had Strawberry rope licorice from Germany, and I had old school Black licorice from Finnland. Need I say it?  Superb. After the treats, we did the tourist thing, we rode the bikes back to Dunedin. 

Mouth Watering just to look at!!

The next day we rode the bikes to Historical downtown Dunedin.  We found a farmers market and adjoining arts and crafts fair. We replenished our veggies. It was very nice.  Of note:  We visited a jam and jelly stand.  Okay now, not a typical booth.  These guys get old recipes that are kind of historical in their reputation  I cannot tell you how awesome the actual tastes were.  They gave us perhaps 15-20 samples….. they were superb.  I could not believe that they could capture the tastes that well.  We purchased a dark chocolate raspberry jam.  It is simply  AWESOME.

Great Seafood everywhere.

Coconut Shrimp

We drove back to Tarpon Springs on saturday night for their Sea Food Festival.  Not disappointed.  Good food everywhere, and we stopped at a band playing great music.  Kinda fun when the first 5-6 songs you hear are favorites..... Beer, food and music..... All good

The weather turned cold while in Dunedin, and very cold across the entire U.S.  We were dressed in layers, kinda like back home in Michigan.  When I departed on this trip I said I was not going to wear long pants the entire trip.  Well……. I wore them four days in a row!!! Furthermore, I developed an chest cold (first one in many many years).  All was still good.

I mentioned on another post, that I blew a head gasket on the Dingy engine whenI took Daisy to do her business right after the crossing.  I purchased a part, and installed it.  Whooo Hoo!!! it worked perfect.  Wow, I was ready to purchase a new or used engine…. glad it worked out (at least so far…stay tuned).

We shared several dinners with Patroit, and played card games as well, and drank a few ginger ales alone the night. One night we had the same with Spititus, and another night with Just Us.

Freezing 

While the temps were pretty cold, we still rode our bikes to Honeymoon Beach State Park ($2 each??)  It was not a special event other than freezing, we thought it would be much better than it was (perhaps low tide was a factor).

Hugs are great.

Vicki met up with a cousin that she has not seen in several years.  It seemed that Vicki and Debby HASTINGS had a great time talking things over....  Remember When?.......  Debby, her husband Mel, Vicki and I went out to linch at the Alfresco Cafe.

Our last night we went to dinner with at the Ozone Restaurant.  We went with Just Us, Patroit, Grand Vita, Spiritus.  Great night, and superb food.  I had Seafood Pescatore, perhaps the best meal on the Loop so far, (shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Clams, Grouper, and mushrooms in a tomato sauce) Need I say it?  Vicki had Shrimp and crab.

Note: Sure was a lot of food in this blog entry.   Have I gained any weight?...  Thanks for peeking in on our Loop Blog.

The Crossing - Tuesday November 11-12

Daisy watches the Sun Setting on the Gulf of Mexico
Does she know that no potty breaks for 23.5 hours?

Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only, (Do Not use to plan your crossing)

Background:
When doing the 'Great Loop'  there are many options as to which route to take.  The 'Bend" of the Florida Panhandle is one such decision point.  There are basically two options to make the 'Crossing'.
(See AGLCA image to the right of the webpage)

One:
Take the Bend route.  This route would be to follow the coastline around the bend.  This option would require a shallow draft (less than 4ft), considerations for time to destination during daylight hours, wind, and ability to see the crap pots, and tide considerations.  The 'bend' option is typically selected by those that can meet the requirements, and prefer not to be out of sight of the shoreline, and avoid a long, long trip with moderate risk involved.

Two:
Take the direct route, approximately 170 miles, and 21 hours at 7 knts, typically from Carabelle/Dog Island to Tarpon Springs (or another common route, Apalachicola to Dunedin).  This option seems to be the most preferred. Considerations are fuel capability, speed, communications, buddy boat, and the crews ability to help and handle the trip, among other considerations.

We (Blue Willow and Patroit) selected to do a direct crossing from Carabelle/Dog Island to Dunedin.
Weather windows are selected and are very important to do the crossing with minimal risk, and perhaps actually enjoy the trip.

Statistically, there are two major  weather windows in November to do a safe and moderately enjoyable crossing.  The weather window seemed to be in our favor for a tuesday November 11th crossing. We were in Apalachicola, and planned on a nice lunch and a walk through some shops, and then proceed to Carabelle, for fuel and vessel inspections. We received a 10 AM Weather Update from Eddy from the Weather WAG, that the crossing window was closing in for wednesday (second half of the crossing).

Okay time for a quick Captains Meeting.
We met for a couple of minutes, but it was evident that it was time to go.  We could top off the fuel in Apalachicola, do inspections and be at Buoy #2 by noon.  FYI Buoy #2 at Dog Island is the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico.  A noon departure from Buoy #2 is the proper time and location for a vessel doing the crossing to arrive at buoy #4 (just north/west of the Dunedin and back on the GICW) with proper light to see the crab pots when traveling 7.5 Knts.

We were in contact with Infinite Sea and Charese who departed from Carabelle, we actually met at Buoy #2 at the same time, and these boats were our 'Crossing Buddy Boats' (same speed, and a group stays together if any problems arise).

The Sun Setting during our Crossing

The Crossing
Weather: Fair, 74F, light winds, at the beginning.  The temps lowered in the early morning hours, guessing 70F, and the winds picked up a bit. We had both doors open to the salon the entire way.

When we started from Dog Island, we set the autopilot course bearing for 136 degrees,  the four boats made a plan to rotate  on the half hour, a radio 'Checkin'.  This was nice, in that, it would help keep the captain alert.  We naturally spaced ourselves out, typically two in front and two in back, and spacing varied from 200 yards to three miles apart.  This worked well.
We could hear radio chatter of boats ahead of us, and learned Spititus, Aunt Aggie, and others were ahead of us, five total in all ahead of us.  We also knew that a few 'go fast boats' were staging behind us for their crossing later, there were four in that group.

Vicki made special preparations for snack foods, and drinks.  She also made a high carb and protein dinner.  For our watch schedule, we made a plan for two on two off during daylight hours, and three on and three off for nighttime hours.

The first half of the crossing was purely uneventful. tiring and a bit boring,other than that,  nothing to note.  The later half conditions provided a bit more to process and required some minor changes to the "136 Heading".  We had following seas, and they were hitting on out port stern a bit, and the waves were building a bit 3-4 foot.  Just enough to be a PIA.  Every 4th for 5th wave caused a slight roll and pitch, and a few were a bit larger.  This started at 12 AM and lasted till 4 AM.  The seas settled down a bit near daybreak, but were still 3-4's.  Rolling diminished as well.  We did not go straight to the Marker1 Marina.  We made a stop at Caldesi Island for Daisy to do her business.  We anchored, dropped the dinghy, and motored to the island (blew a head gasket on the way... story later).  Daisy went further than I thought she would, but number one and two were done quickly.  Daisy and I ran along the island in the sand a bit, and found a posted sign:  No Camping, Alcohol, or Pets.  Too late!!!

We saw the Sun Set, Moon Rise, and the Sun Rise.  The sky was good, but I was hoping for a brighter   sky and more stars.  I saw dolphins breach right in front of us a couple of times.  I sat outside at the bow for a few hours, just soaking in the elements. I sat at both the upper and lower helm at various times. It truly was a decent crossing al in all.

Sunrise near Marker #4
Do you see any Crab Pots?

Crab Pots
For those that do not know about the dreaded Crab Pots, they are a major PIA for those that travel the coastal waters where crabs are present.  The 'Pot' is a perhaps, 8" diameter 'Bobber' that indicates the location of a crab trap, which is tethered via a line which looks to be about 1" in diameter.  The pot is colored in some fashion,including , BLACK!!  WTF.  Crab traps are about 24 " square, and about 18" tall (they are regulated in there size).  The location of the pots can be anywhere except in defined navigational routes, but they can line the route, and they can accidentally drift into the route too.  Crab pots typically start at 30 ft depths, but may be placed in 50 ft as well.  There are 1,000's (if not 10,000's) of them in some locations.  Entering the Tarpon Springs area we had many to dodge.  With the sun rising at near the same angle (136), the lighting conditions were marginal at best due to the reflection.  Recognizing a crab pot took some attention by all on board.  With Vicki at the bow pulpit, and me at the upper helm we managed to avoid any problems.  Two boats in our total group hit the pots.  They required towing in to a local marina, but no damage that we now of.  (Other boats have been known to have prop, shaft, and or holes in their boats from grabbing a crab pot with their running gear).  When looking for the crab pots, one must scan from the bow out about 100 ft, and to the sides about 20-30 feet each way.  Once spotted, Vicki would point at it until it passed safely, she needed three arms sometimes.  If we missed one dead on, we would typically see it 40 ft or so, and swerve very hard to avoid the damn pot.

Marker 1 Marina
We arrived at the marina safe and sound.  It was fun to rehash the crossing event with others.  We then proceeded to take a long nap, and try to refresh ourselves.  I am very thankful for an uneventful crossing.  As I started dreaming then planning  this trip, the crossing was always an issue for me.  How would it play out? Now I know.

Thanks for peeping in on our blog!

Working Our Way to Apalachicola Fl. Mobile Bay crossing, Orange Beach, Little Sabine, Fort Walton Beach, St Andrews

Notice, bird and pumpkin

Blue Willow had a tuned up prop and new Cutlass Bearing, thus, it was time to move on.  We crossed Mobile Bay (with Freedom), from the Central West portion of Mobile Bay, and proceeded to the Gulf Inter Costal Waterway (GICW) at the southeast portion of Mobile Bay.  The mini crossing was uneventful.  As we entered the GICW  it is refered to as the Grand Canyon.  Good description as it was a mini mini representation, and surprised me as to its beauty.

We then saw some very friendly  good looking shrimp boats.

TaTa, Patroit, on the trail

MADE IT!!!!

Something about touching the ocean.
Sweet water kid meets the salt water
of the Gulf of Mexico.

Did not see any of these.

We proceeded to the Wharf Marina in Orange Beach (still on the GICW).  Nice marina, great surroundings.  I got my first haircut since July.  I took a nice bike ride with Patroit and TaTa to the OCEAN!!  what fun.  It seemed to be an accomplishment, traveling from Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico.  Along the trail we tried to get a glimpse of alligators, but none were around.  Signs did indicate the 'wildlife sightings'.

WOW, are you serious?
Michigan to Florida IS
Possible via boat!!

Greetings, and welcome to Florida!

Florida, another milestone.  We were greeted by the Blue Angles practicing for a show at their home base in Pensacola FL.  Pretty cool to have a personal show (kinda).

The dolphins made for a very entertaining cruise along the GICW  (does one every get tired of seeing them?, near their vessel?).

Morning in Little Sabine

Perfect picture for morning coffee

Jim and Connie perfecting their
Knot skills.

We anchored out in Little Sabine.  What an awesome setting.  Calm, great temps.  It was so nice the next morning, we spent extra time just relaxing and having fun.

Free Docks at Ft Walton.
Site of the Daisy Backflip

We then motored to FT Walton, and stayed at the free dock.  With us were: Patroit, Freedom, Karty Party, and Aunt Aggie. We ate at Magnolias, Vicki and I had a favorite dinner,... Seafood stuffed Flounder. YUM!  Daisy had an incident while at Ft Walton.  First, let me say that we worry about her slipping off the docks, furthermore, where and how  does she go to get back up from the water?  Well you must have guessed it, she fell in.  She tried to exit the boat by jumping onto the dock, she slipped, and  did a backwards summersault, into the water.  Thankfully there was a ramp close by.

This dude, gave me several free oysters
as I tried to learn his technique of
Shucking

Do you like these?
Not as good as Baltimore Oysters!

Dinner!

Next stop was St Andrews for Oysters.  We met Freedom, and Patroit for dinner.  With Freedom was a good boating friend Al.  Al made a joke about Vicki, me, and raw oysters (remind me some day, and I will tell you the joke).  Vicki ate her first steamed Oysters...she liked them. I ate a dozen raw with hush puppies, good times!

Daisy Loves Connie
(Zoom in).

Captains meeting, as usual
with Daisy in the middle

Funny

Apalachicola, was our next stop.  Great oyster and tourist community, what a nice surprise.  We were docked away from the marina, thus they gave us a golf cart to use, fun.  We did the tourist thing, there are oyster shells for landscape materials, for filling in pot holes in on gravel roads, the 'gravel' for a road, sacks of shells in the back of trucks,  and there were piles over 12 feet high near the processing plants.  We met several other loopers who were planning their staging points and determining their crossing window.  This is serious business, so many discussions were very detailed, it was fun to get different opinions (FYI, the next bolg entry will be about the Crossing).  During our  last day at Apalachicola  we purchased Fresh shrimp and Flounder (guess what we made?).






Thanks for taking time (from work?) to look at our Blog.  As I post this, the temps are quite cold here, but nothing like other areas, including Petoskey, Michigan.   4-8 inches snow, today, 2-5 tonight, 15-25 MPH winds with gusts to 40. and a high of 19.
I like the snow, but I am not missing it much right now!!!

Side Trip......New Orleans, then to a Zac Brown Benefit Concert in Fayetteville Georgia

Blue Willow
waiting her new Cutlass Bearing

As Blue Willow was waiting for parts, we made a side trip to New Orleans, our first trip there.  What a great time.  We rented a car, and got there early.  We hurried to Canal street, and then to Bourbon Street, via Royal and some other streets.

Royal Street NO.  Fun kids

This Gal was SSooo into her music
Great fun

The front man here (sitting),
sang, played guitar,
and played the bell on the ground..
Perfectly!!

NO  Burbon St.  Special Place.

I loved this guy,
he did a jazz / Ragtime solo.

We entered a few bars, and had a drink and simply listened to the music of the (paid) performers.

Later we met up with Just US and Infinite Seas for dinner at  Pat O'Brian's.  (add pic) During dinner were notified that Daisy was barking at the Hotel.  We rushed to calm her, only to find her sound asleep..... it was the adjoining room dog who was barking.  Vicki stayed in the room, while I tried to rejoin the group.  I went to several venues a favorite was an awesome Jazz quartet.  I sat there and really enjoyed the moment.

Please read caption at the top of pic.

My Dad was so proud of his
 82nd "All American" stint

This knife
 (which my dad had,
and my older brother
should still have),
was not a military issued item,
it was purchased buy many
82nd paratroopers as a
status symbol.
I remember it well.

Awesome displays throught.

The next day in the morning I went to the New Orleans WWII museum.  What an experience.  A motivator for me was an exhibit that I knew of that paid respect to my dads effort during the war.  It was the D-Day Normandy invasion, with an emphasis on the paratroopers of the 101st and the 82nd Airborne.  Dad was in the 8

Patroit

This guy was a 'freeze artist"
He maintained his frozen position.....
Until I made him laugh.

Jim and Connie (Patroit) made the trek to join us, and we then did the Bourbon Street thing, and walked all over the place, enjoying the street performers, bars, and dinner.


We made the trip to Cafe Du Mond for Beignet's  100% awesome. afterward  we took in more street performers, including a superb magic show. (pics coming)

Daisy awaiting the trip to Georgia 

A surprise from Vicki.....  Thanks 

  

Jim and Connie Gillette AKA 'Patroit'

Sweet Annie, was an especial song for me.
It was emotional for me as well

Tee Shirt from Concert

The next morning we rode with Connie and Jim and drove to Fayetteville Ga. to attend a (surprise) Zac Brown concert with Freedom (Cary and Martha).  What a great (but cold) night.  The guys played a very diverse selection of music.  Zac had shoulder problems and was unable to play all his normal guitar music, thus others had to fill in for him.  It did not diminish the show.  Of particular appreciation, was a song from Pink Floyd which I cannot remember right now!

Zac made a special appearance at his 

Camp Southern Ground (his charity)
We did not attend this event.  
Pic from Martha and Cary of Freedom

Thanks for Peeping in on us, sorry for not blogging more frequently, but we really have been busy.